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They Call it Coconut Gold

This coming week’s episode of Real Pasifik is set in gorgeous Vanuatu. As you’ll see when the episode airs, traditional food in this country draws upon some incredibly unique methods of preparation and cooking which in turn serve to provide unique twists to more common flavour combinations.

We’ve been lucky enough to taste firsthand a fantastic example of simple but stunning Vanuatu fare; ‘Coconut Gold’. Coconut Gold is best classified as a jam, although it can be used in a number of different ways. We think it’s simple delicous-ness, read on to find out some of the background to this fabulous product as told to us by the makers – Jane Rutledge from JVL:

COCONUT GOLD; from Araki Island, Santo, Vanuatu.

“Araki Island is located a short boat ride from the South Santo mainland in Vanuatu. Araki has an abundance of fruit trees, nuts and coconuts which is cared for by a small community.

Job Lele and his family have developed the perfect secret formula for this delicious jam treat. Made of natural coconut milk it is sure to tempt your pallet.

Job and a group of dedicated women squeeze the fresh coconut milk to begin jam preparation. They follow the best practice (hygiene and technique) for jam making and produce small batches of this precious product.

This jam is perfect to accompany bread, taro or spread on bananas/fruit as a dessert.

Not that this jam will last in your home for very long, but it has a shelf life of six months and it can be refrigerated.

The team at Araki, in particular the local women will soon all participate and earn money from this new venture to provide income for their families.”